Updates and Articles

Where we work: Harmon Park Reserve and Salem Hills Park
Four miles of trails wind through this pair of Inver Grove Heights parks that feature cropland turned prairie, acres of restored savanna, towering oak, maple and basswood trees and a pond that draws wildlife to its waters. Read more
Aerial view of trail, water, forest
3 paddling routes to try, inspired by our 'Paddle, restore and learn' series
A trio of free FMR events combined paddling with education and restoration. From a primer on clean-water crops in a former soybean field-turned prairie to a fishing intro on an oxbow lake in Hastings, these outings weren't typical volunteer events. Read more
Kayaker volunteers with paddles on the river shore
Cottage Grove allows riverbed mine proposal to advance
The Cottage Grove City Council recently approved the environmental review for a riverbed mine next to Lower Grey Cloud Island. FMR and many others still believe that this mine would have major negative impacts — and it might not be legal. Read more
Mississippi River as seen from Pine Bend Bluffs
Agencies and community members push back against river mining proposal in Cottage Grove
A mining company wants to dig for materials beneath the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove. WCCO interviewed FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman about pushback from neighbors and government agencies. Read more
Tell Minnesota: Include river-friendly transportation and farming in the new climate plan
The current draft isn't bad, some improvements would help ensure clean water for all communities. Read more
Floodwaters encroach on buildings and paths at St. Paul's Harriet Island.
FMR convenes town halls for St. Paul city leaders and advocates
St. Paul residents showed up for the river and had a chance to speak directly with city leaders about riverfront priorities. Read more
Town Hall crowd with Mayor Carter
St. Paul closes in on final river rules
After years of delays, the St. Paul City Council is poised to vote on a Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance to guide riverfront development. Residents can join FMR in advocating for the addition of a bird-safe glass requirement. Read more
Downtown St. Paul riverfront
Ripple effects: The government shutdown and MN's national parks
Titles should be sentence-case. Skip "Teaser Image" above! But please enter a draft teaser here. You'll get cut off at 250 characters. The # of remaining characters will show below. Skip "Legacy Fields" below. Read more
A sign on a USFWS bathroom door saying it is closed due to the federal shutdown.
What about water quality? 3 takeaways from our time at the SAF Conference
Two members of FMR's Water program attended to be a voice for the river and clean water in discussions around Sustainable Aviation Fuel policy. Read more
FMR's Meghan Anderson and Trevor Russell speaking to attendees at the SAF Conference.
Ford Area C: The overlooked toxic waste dump along the river
Did you know that Ford Motor Company owns a hazardous waste dump right on the river's edge in the middle of St. Paul? FMR has been a longtime advocate for cleaning up this site. Join us to take action. Read more

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Upcoming Events

August 27 - September 7, 2026
State Fairgrounds, St. Paul
This school year
In your classroom or outside
Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Near the Mississippi River backwaters, St. Paul Park

Take Me to the River 

Celebrate the Mississippi River and choose your own adventure while supporting FMR at our reimagined fall fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 24.